Iran International:

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi contradicted earlier assurances from Tehran by saying there is a risk of radiation release at nuclear facilities bombed during the 12-day war.

In an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News on Sunday, Araghchi said strikes on Iran’s “peaceful” nuclear facilities had created serious dangers, including possible radiation exposure and unexploded ordnance.

“We are now facing security threats and safety concerns,” he said.

Following the joint US-Israeli attacks, Iranian authorities refused to evacuate surrounding towns and repeatedly dismissed public fears.

In late June, deputy health minister Alireza Raeisi said enrichment “does not involve nuclear fission” and therefore cannot generate harmful radiation, adding that measurements around Natanz and Fordow showed the areas were completely safe.

The IAEA likewise reported on June 13 that it had detected no radiation increase around Natanz.

Despite this, Araghchi told Kyodo that Iran cannot currently resume IAEA inspections because no protocol or guideline exists for inspectors entering damaged facilities. IAEA director general Rafael Grossi has said most of Iran’s enriched-uranium stockpile is being kept at sites in Isfahan, Fordow and Natanz where inspectors lack access, and warned in October that monitors had observed activity around storage locations.

Go to link